Live: Superstars out to play as Netherlands tackle Sweden

The Netherlands and Sweden kick off a big day at the World Cup as global superstars clash in Houston.

Later, Germany faces Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador plays Curaçao and Tunisia takes on Japan.

Follow all the action in our live blog.

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Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:30am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:30am

Netherlands vs Sweden live

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Netherlands vs Sweden

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Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 3:14am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 3:14am

Netherlands full of confidence

By David Hirst

That early goal has filled the Netherlands with confidence.

They're causing Sweden all kinds of problems down the flanks.

Sweden need to see through this period without conceding again.

Key Event

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 3:06am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 3:06am

5' Goal for Netherlands!

By David Hirst

An early goal in Houston!

Gakpo plays a beauty of a ball across the face of goal and striker Brian Brobbey thumps home from close range.

What a start by the Dutch.

Key Event

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 3:01am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 3:01am

Netherlands vs Sweden kicks off in Houston

By David Hirst

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:52am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:52am

Here come the teams

By David Hirst

The teams come out to a sea of orange and yellow in the stands.

Ready for the national anthems.

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:45am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:45am

Sweden players looking relaxed

By David Hirst

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:37am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:37am

Dutch fans having fun

By David Hirst

Key Event

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:28am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:28am

Superstars on show in Houston

By David Hirst

Sweden's front two of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres looked dangerous in their opening game.

Gyokeres just won the Premier League with Arsenal, and Liverpool's Isak is the league's most expensive player.

The Netherlands have some big names as well, including Liverpool trio Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.

Key Event

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:14am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:14am

Netherlands under pressure

By David Hirst

- AP

The Netherlands are under a considerable amount of pressure to beat Sweden after blowing two leads in its draw against Japan.

Coach Ronald Koeman faced several pointed questions about strategy after the Japan game and shot back with cryptic replies.

"In the Netherlands we always have a lot of pressure," Koeman said.

"I've spent a lot of years in football in the Netherlands as a player and a coach. Of course, there is some pressure but we're used to that. I think that as the Netherlands we always have the support of our fans and hopefully we can celebrate three points tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Sweden put on a show in its 5-1 win over Tunisia, starting its World Cup with a flourish after not qualifying in 2022.

"It's about how we perform and the mentality we have," Sweden coach Graham Potter said.

"We know that we are a work in progress and we’re improving. We have to play better against a better opponent and I think we’re ready to do that."

Key Event

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:14am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:14am

Team news: Netherlands vs Sweden

By David Hirst

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:14am

Sun 21 Jun 2026 at 2:14am

Good morning!

By David Hirst

Hi there, my name is David Hirst.

We're in for another day of action and drama at the World Cup.

There are four games today.

Netherlands vs Sweden.

Germany vs Cote d’Ivoire

Ecuador vs Curaçao

Tunisia vs Japan

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